Coffee with The School Social Worker Podcast

the title says it all – this has been a wonderful experimentation playground and all good things come to an end. special thanks to all my guests and to everyone who has tuned in, thanks for rockin with me. it's time I step into another light <3 with love, angela

of course we’re furiousof course we’re disappointedof course we’re worriedbut if we wield shame in the same way it’s been used to oppress us, then we end up engaging in a zero-sum game.i’ve also been seeing a lot on the internet about media literacy, specifically about the ability to understand nuance. this type of empathy and compassion is hard to access but is necessary for us to move away from how domain and culture has taught us to believe in punishment. everything that’s big, is made of the small: notice how zero-tolerance policies in education can extrapolate into what we’re witnessing now. it’s all connected!we need people to be accountable and that doesn’t involve shame or isolation. if we want different, we also have to do different. and that mess is hard but not impossible.

I woke up this morning and decided to let my thoughts flow freely! It seems like clinical licensure is just one of those things that we're just supposed to willingly accept for what it is. But I'm not okay with that and I explain my rationale in this episode. Shoutouts and Resource Credits go to: Capital Storytelling Leese Renee Hall, author of Inner Field Trip Dr. Jennifer Mullan of Decolonizing Therapy TheRealHotGirlJay on TikTok Sonny Jane Wise, author of We're All Neurodiverse [@livedexperienceeducator on IG] Dr. Kirk Honda of Psychology In Seattle Podcast

Join me and Maggie in a heartfelt discussion as we delve into the delicate balance of being called in by loved ones out of concern about carrying toooo much school drama, leveraging power and privilege to address harm in schools, and the crucial role of school social work in making mental health services accessible to students and families. We also explore the importance of staying up-to-date with slang to connect with students on a deeper level, even if that makes us "cringey". Tune in for insightful perspectives and practical insights into fostering empathy and understanding in educational settings. You can connect with Maggie on IG @magpiesandwich

Have you noticed that restrooms have become battlegrounds at schools? I've turned to mindmaps to help me interrogate this very question. Listen as I explore the multiple facets at play here including [but not limited to] moral labor, mindbody health, exchanging adult supremacy for youth autonomy, insecure attachment styles, and the importance of microinteractions. How does this all come together? Some how, some way, it does! Step into my office!

Grab your favorite brew ☕ and tune into this ep of Coffee with the School Social Worker podcast! In this episode, I'm reflecting on a year out of the field and why social work truly belongs in schools. From critical reflection to creating inclusive spaces, social workers are indispensable advocates for equity, justice, and student well-being. Pour yourself a cup and let's dive into the indispensable role of social workers in education! #SchoolSocialWork #EquityInEducation #CoffeeBreak

"Wading through the waiting," came to mind in conversation with an educator. I was complaining about how uncomfy uncertainty can be and said, "it's like wading through a pool of waiting," and it just stuck. AH HA, I found the very phrase I needed to make sense of the jumbled mess of thoughts up here! I hope it resonates with you too <3

Join us in a dynamic exploration of emergent strategy, liberatory leadership, and the transformative power of advocacy as I delve into candid conversations with Petra Vega, a trailblazing radical social worker and advocate. In this episode, we venture into uncharted territories, unpacking the nuances of speaking up, embracing trouble-making, and fostering collective action. Discover the essence of emergent strategy and how it shapes a new narrative of leadership. Through Petra's insights, we explore the intersections of speaking truth, the risks it entails, and the pivotal role it plays in effecting meaningful change. From the empowering force of collective action to the liberating potential of playfulness, we navigate the landscape of advocacy and leadership through a lens of healing, disruption, and possibility. As we traverse Petra's journey, from reclaiming voice in the face of adversity to founding Create More Possibilities, LLC, a platform that empowers marginalized leaders, we uncover strategies for dismantling oppressive systems. This engaging dialogue uncovers the essence of liberatory leadership, offering tools and perspectives for individuals and communities to cultivate resilience, amplify their voices, and ignite transformative change. Tune in to this enlightening conversation to gain valuable insights, actionable strategies, and an invigorating perspective on emergent strategy, liberatory leadership, and the pivotal roles of advocacy, collective action, and the power of play in shaping a more equitable and empowered world.

In this episode, we delve into the vibrant world of youth development, play therapy, and the magic of children's wisdom. We explore the transformative impact of play on restoration and healing, uncovering the seeds of growth planted through our interactions with kids. We also navigate the intersection of entrepreneurship and clinical social work because being your own boss sounds cool until you have to actually do it! We're sharing insights into harnessing the power of play to foster leadership, autonomy, and resilience in young minds. From embracing the fun side of learning to recognizing the profound impact of our work, we invite you into an engaging conversation that celebrates the pivotal role of school social workers in understanding the micro and macro perspectives of child development. Join me and Sarah for thoughtful discussions, anecdotes, and strategies that highlight the restorative benefits of play and the profound wisdom that children impart. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to embrace the joyful journey of working with kids, where every interaction plants a seed of positive change. You can connect with Sarah in IG @healwithplay Find the 50% off discount code for KINSHIP CLUB in the link in my bio on IG @socialworkforschools [expires 12/31/2023]

*content warning: you're gonna hear me cry, let's cry together* When I started this podcast back in August, I did so with the intention to connect with others and to show up wholly and truly. Things were scary then and even scarier now. And yet, we mustn't lose sight and we mustn't turn away from one another. In this episode, I read some snippets of the book I've been reading recently, "We Heal Together: Rituals and Practices for Building Community and Connection," by michelle cassandra johnson; I hope it all resonates with you. none of us are free until we're all free. none of us are safe until we're all safe.

In this episode, join me as I sit down with the remarkable Lakita Richardson, LSW who is a proud Black mother and dedicated career woman. We delve into the untold stories of being a school social worker. Together, we unravel the challenges she faces in combating unrealistic perceptions from her peers in education, shedding light on the vital role of school social work. Our conversation takes a heartfelt turn as we explore the personal journey of being on the right side of history. Our guest shares powerful insights into the impact of her work, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive and empathetic educational system. Maternal mental health takes center stage as we discuss the often overlooked struggles faced by mothers, particularly those who navigate demanding careers. We delve into vulnerable stories, offering a candid glimpse into the triumphs and tribulations of balancing motherhood and professional life. Grad school is a challenging chapter for many, but our guest's experience adds a unique layer to the narrative. Juggling the demands of academia, career, and motherhood, she reflects on the highs and lows, offering inspiration to those facing similar uphill battles. Amidst the serious discussions, our episode is infused with laughter, highlighting the resilience and joy that can be found even in the most challenging circumstances. Join us for a conversation that's equal parts enlightening and uplifting, as we celebrate the strength of a Black mother and school social worker who is rewriting the script and leaving an indelible mark on education. You can connect with Lakita on IG @lakitacherie

Are you at the point in your social work career where you're feeling tired, uninspired, unmotivated, maybe even burned out?Well... it might be time for a PIVOT*!On this episode, I'm chatting with Alissa Adler – very earnestly – about the many pivots and shake ups that happen in social work. We're here to normalize the twists and turns, we're here to hold space for navigating the directionally challenged, we're here to tell you you're allowed to grieve the role you wanted to make space for a new adventure.I definitely went through it when I decided to leave school social work. I felt like such a hypocrite, a fraud, a quitter. But in that pivot from school social work, I've been able to make space for work that is still school social work adjacent AND be more intentional about the creative work I engage in AND be more present with myself and loved ones.I'm sure there will be more pivots to come; change is the only constant.Be sure to check out Alissa's bombie IG @socialtwerkers, snag some @socialtwerkers merch on Etsy, and if you're feeling like you need some guidance through your pivotal social work moment, confide in Alissa's coaching services – 10/10 do recommend*In case you're wondering, the word pivot was said 11 times in this episode. I counted so you don't have to xoxo

Reflection has gotta be one of the very first steps in healing; without it, we can't acknowledge what's going on to then figure out how to transform. On this episode, I'm doing exactly that with Kelli Shoemake in our conversation about how her multi-faceted role at her school lends itself to practicing transformative justice. As both the school social worker and behavioral interventionist, Kelli is committed to working against the policing of students by doing what social workers do best, honoring her student's dignity and worth. Part of that work also involves reflection. In "Teaching to Transgress," bell hooks says, "[educators] must be actively committed to a process of self-actualization that promotes their own well-being." By reflecting on our own inner-workings we can heal and show up as the healing works-in-progress that we are for the students and youth we serve. Although Kelli keeps her social media private, you're still welcome to reach out @kelli_shoemake

This one's a double feature, y'all! In this episode, I'm chatting with Damaris Rodriguez and Jasmin Lisowski about practicing social work from a harm reduction standpoint, BIPOC representation and affinity groups, the complexity of navigating the diverse needs of a school with diverse demographics, student and staff autonomy alike, interdisciplinary collaboration, and tips for decreasing burnout. Each of these topics could have its own podcast episodes honestly! But what's abundantly clear is that Damaris and Jasmin lead with love and passion. This conversation filled my consciousness! You can find Damaris on IG as both @damnrod @darmotivation [this is a new account where Damaris is offering coaching for Latinas of all ages; it's about cultivating a sense of empowerment and embracing the rich culture, language, and values. DAR Motivation embodies a philosophy that Damaris holds dear: the power of dreams. The mantra is simple yet profound, "Dream, Achieve, Repeat." Damaris' website: darmotivation.com --> schedule your complimentary Dream Discovery consultation today! And you can find Jasmin on IG @jliso2

A quick Google search tells me that Chaotic Good describes "characters that are strong individualists marked by a streak of kindness and benevolence. They believe in all the virtues of goodness and right, but they have little use for laws and regulations." In this episode, you're going to hear about new ideas, failure as lessons and never as mistakes, accessibility, systemic issues, transitions from school social work, TikTok as market research, and so much more. The energy is gorgeously unhinged and cannot be contained because what good would chaos be if it could!? You can reach Sara on IG @unfiltered.socialworker, and grab yourself a copy or five of her book, "A Kids Book About Therapy," while you're there!

In this episode, I'm chatting with Vanessa Robles about the importance of Latine representation in schools. It's important that we show up proudly and authentically not only to honor our ancestors but also to inspire students to embrace their culture too. We got to gas each other up for taking up space in spaces where we normally wouldn't be represented, while also recognizing the immense responsibility of such labor. Since Vanessa is an LCSW-S, I took advantage of the opportunity to learn about what I'll need to keep in mind as I go into a supervisory role for the first time. I definitely gained so much insight from this conversation and I hope you do too! You can find Vanessa on IG @roblesehealth; Vanessa offers clinical supervision to BIPOC social workers and EMDR consultation

In this episode, I chat with my first guest, Maria Dibs who is a master of social work student and inner-child healing coach. We got to talk about what inner-child healing work means to her and how it will influence her work as a future school social worker. Maria picked my brain a bit as we got into what school social workers are and aren't and how that all actually plays out in practice. We landed on the importance of modeling behavior, relationships, consistency, and safety. We also did our best at naming Yonce-inspired coffee drinks just in case we ever need to pivot careers and open up a coffee shop to compete with Dutch Bros. You can find Maria on IG @dibsonselfcare

In this episode, I'm setting the foundation of Coffee with The School Social Worker Podcast by sharing a bit about myself and letting y'all know what to expect in future episodes. On this podcast, listeners can expect to hear chats with former, current, and future school social workers all while enjoying a cup o' coffee; because who can't get through the school day without caffeine!? The intention is to build community in school social work and to hold space for stories and experiences.